Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Location: The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Chef: Mauro Colagreco (3-Michelin Star Chef from Mirazur)
Michelin Stars: 1 Star
The Bold Statement: My Favorite Restaurant in the World
Let me start with a confession that might raise eyebrows among serious food critics: Ceto Restaurant at The Maybourne Riviera has earned the title of my favorite restaurant in the world. Even though the restaurant has since closed, it remains unmatched in my culinary memory. Not because it served the most technically perfect cuisine—though Chef Mauro Colagreco’s Michelin-starred creations were undeniably exceptional—but because it delivered something far more elusive: pure feeling.
I was incredibly fortunate to experience Ceto during the Monaco Yacht Show, when the principality was at its most vibrant and the Mediterranean was dotted with some of the world’s most spectacular superyachts. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, adding an extra layer of glamour and excitement to an already extraordinary dining experience.
Sometimes the heart of dining transcends the perfection of a dish or the precision of service. Sometimes it’s about the complete sensory experience, the emotional resonance, and the memories that linger long after the last bite. At Ceto, perched dramatically on the 14th floor of The Maybourne Riviera, that magic happens every single time.
The View: An 11/10 Experience
The view at Ceto doesn’t just complement the dining experience—it IS the experience. Located on the 14th and top floor of the hotel, the restaurant offers a spectacular panoramic view, spanning from the Italian coast to the French Riviera. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, diners are treated to an uninterrupted 180-degree vista of the Mediterranean Sea that stretches endlessly toward the horizon.
During my visit during the Monaco Yacht Show, watching the sun cast golden reflections across the water while the principality of Monaco glittered below—dotted with magnificent superyachts—felt almost surreal. The harbor was alive with some of the world’s most impressive vessels, creating a scene of unparalleled luxury and sophistication. The view alone justified the journey to this clifftop sanctuary. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you understand why the French Riviera has captivated artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries.
The outdoor terrace extends this visual feast, offering an even more immersive connection with the Mediterranean landscape. Whether you’re seated inside or outside, the view commands attention and creates an atmosphere that no amount of interior design could replicate.
The Kitchen: Transparency and Theater
With its open kitchen and elegant bar, it is the perfect setting to enjoy a unique culinary experience. The open kitchen concept at Ceto serves as both functional workspace and dining theater. Watching Chef Mauro Colagreco’s team work with precision and passion adds an educational element to the meal.
The kitchen’s cleanliness and organization reflect the professionalism you’d expect from a Michelin-starred establishment. Every movement appears choreographed, every station immaculate. It’s fascinating to observe the intricate preparation techniques, particularly the fish maturation chamber where the team researches new methods of preserving fish and prolonging maturation.
The Bread: A Perfect Beginning
The meal began with house-made bread that immediately set high expectations. Warm, crusty, and clearly baked fresh that day, it arrived with premium butter that had the perfect consistency and salinity. This seemingly simple element demonstrated the attention to detail that permeates every aspect of the Ceto experience.
The bread alone would satisfy most restaurant standards, but here it serves merely as an appetizer to greater things ahead. It’s the kind of bread that makes you slow down and appreciate the craft of baking—an increasingly rare experience in our fast-paced world.
The Steak: A 9/10 Masterpiece
Despite Ceto’s focus on seafood and marine ingredients, including seaweed, samphire, sea fennel and sea cucumber, I opted for their amazing steak—a decision I’ll never regret. The preparation showcased why Colagreco’s dishes play with textures, flavors and cooking processes with extraordinary results.
The steak arrived perfectly cooked to specification, with a beautiful sear that locked in all the natural juices. The meat quality was exceptional—likely sourced from premium suppliers who share the chef’s commitment to sustainability and excellence. The accompanying elements elevated rather than overshadowed the protein, creating a harmonious composition that satisfied both visually and gustatorily.
Rating: 9/10 – Nearly perfect execution with room for only the smallest improvements.
The Starter: Setting the Tone
The starter course exemplified Colagreco’s ambition to create something more than a restaurant—more like a “marine culinary workshop”. The presentation was artistically stunning, incorporating unexpected textures and flavor combinations that challenged conventional expectations while remaining entirely approachable.
The attention to detail in plating rivaled fine art, with each element positioned purposefully. The flavors built progressively, creating a narrative that prepared the palate for the courses to follow. This is where Ceto’s Michelin-star credentials truly shine—in the thoughtful composition and technical execution that transforms simple ingredients into memorable experiences.
The Dessert: Innovation Meets Tradition
The dessert course represented the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary meal. Diners can expect lesser-known ingredients such as sea fennel, sea herbs and seaweed, dried leaves of which are layered with toffee and vanilla notes in an unexpected mille-feuille dessert. The creativity displayed in incorporating marine elements into sweet preparations demonstrates why Colagreco is considered one of the world’s most innovative chefs.
The packaging and presentation were as memorable as the flavors themselves. Every detail, from the custom serving pieces to the artistic plating, reinforced the restaurant’s commitment to creating a complete sensory experience.
The Drinks: Talisker 25-Year Single Malt
Complementing the meal with a Talisker 25-year single malt proved an inspired choice. The whisky’s maritime character—influenced by its Hebridean island origins—paired beautifully with Ceto’s ocean-focused philosophy. The smoky, briny notes in the whisky echoed the restaurant’s connection to the sea while providing a sophisticated conclusion to the dining experience.
The sommelier’s expertise in recommending pairings that complement rather than compete with the cuisine adds another layer of professionalism to the service.
The Service: Elevated Hospitality
The service at Ceto strikes the perfect balance between attentiveness and restraint. Staff members are knowledgeable about both the menu and the philosophy behind each dish, capable of explaining preparation techniques and ingredient sources without being pretentious.
The timing between courses allows proper appreciation of each element while maintaining momentum throughout the meal. Water glasses never emptied, bread plates were refreshed seamlessly, and special requests were handled with grace and efficiency.
The Philosophy: More Than Fine Dining
Colagreco has worked with the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to research sustainable, seasonal fishing for a menu that takes an exceptionally deep dive into what the sea has to offer. This commitment to sustainability and marine conservation adds depth to the dining experience that extends beyond mere pleasure.
Understanding that your meal supports responsible fishing practices and environmental stewardship enhances the emotional connection to the food. It’s dining with purpose, where pleasure and principle align seamlessly.
Why Feeling Trumps Perfection
While food critics might debate technical execution and innovative techniques, my love for Ceto transcends traditional restaurant metrics. Yes, the food is exceptional. Yes, the service is impeccable. But what makes this restaurant special is its ability to create moments of pure joy and wonder.
Sitting in that dramatically positioned dining room, watching the Mediterranean stretch to infinity while savoring expertly prepared cuisine, generates the kind of happiness that makes life feel more vibrant. It’s the difference between eating and truly dining—between consuming calories and creating memories.
Practical Considerations
Reservations: Essential and should be made well in advance
Dress Code: Smart casual to formal
Price Point: High-end, but justified by the complete experience
Best Time: Sunset reservations offer the most spectacular views
Location: The Maybourne Riviera, 1551 Route de la Turbie, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Final Verdict
Ceto Restaurant represents dining at its most emotionally resonant. While Chef Mauro Colagreco’s three-Michelin-starred Mirazur nearby might offer more technical innovation, Ceto provided something equally valuable: the perfect marriage of exceptional cuisine, breathtaking setting, and emotional connection. Though the restaurant has closed, the memories it created during my visit—especially experiencing it during the magic of the Monaco Yacht Show—remain vivid and treasured.
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
The breakdown:
- View: 11/10 (exceeds all expectations)
- Food Quality: 9/10 (exceptional across all courses)
- Service: 9/10 (professional and attentive)
- Ambiance: 10/10 (unmatched setting and atmosphere)
- Value: 8/10 (expensive but justified)
- Emotional Impact: 11/10 (creates lasting memories)
Sometimes the best restaurants aren’t necessarily those that push culinary boundaries or earn the most prestigious awards. Sometimes they’re the places that understand that dining is about more than food—it’s about creating experiences that nourish the soul as much as the body.
Ceto achieved this rare alchemy, making it not just a restaurant worth visiting, but a destination that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Even though it has closed, the magic of that evening during the Monaco Yacht Show—with the harbor full of magnificent yachts and the Mediterranean stretching endlessly before us—created memories that no restaurant closure can diminish. In a world where technical perfection often overshadows emotional connection, Ceto reminded us why we truly love great restaurants: they make us feel alive.
For reservations and more information, visit The Maybourne Riviera website or contact the restaurant directly